Every author, even the ones with multiple books published, faces times of indecision and doubt. It’s part of the creative process.

However, it can lead to hours spent trolling Facebook, reading another book on writing techniques, or reaching for that bag of chips, crackers or cookies.

Since it will happen to you at some time during your writing process, here are some tips that will help you get past it.

First, recognize it. When you are wasting time or avoiding your writing, just admit it. Tell yourself something soothing like “Ok, you are stuck for a reason, not because you are loser. Let’s figure it out together.”

Get up and out of your office. Take a brisk walk or do a chore that involves moving your body. Give your mind a break and move.

After your break, grab your journal. You will find that writing about your doubts and fears is a great way to decrease them.In your journal, write a few lines to answer this question:

Am I stuck because I am afraid, bored, or don’t know what to do?

Once you have identified the reason for being stuck, you can use a solution from this list:

If you are afraid- write about your fears. Go deep and make them bigger than life. Imagine the worst case scenario—make is so bad that it is ridiculous. Soon you’ll feel lighter and realize that you will not die from anything related to your book.

If you are bored- connect with your ideal reader and refresh your passion for helping her. Have a conversation, read a blog, and remember the information you have to share will help actual people who are waiting for the solutions you offer.

If you don’t know what to do- celebrate! This is the easiest block to remove. Do a simple google search and you’ll find all sorts of resources to help you with the mechanics of writing.

To be a successful author, you need to enhance your writing skills and, more importantly, enhance your perception of who you are and the contribution you make to the world. AIC, that self-doubt that touches all of us at times, can be cured by developing confidence in yourself and your message. Your words have worth and importance. Once you can believe that fact, you’ll be able to write, publish and market your book with less procrastination and more progress!

For more support mastering the inner game of becoming an author, come to The Author-izing Experience Retreat. See the details here